WHR measures fat distribution. Apple-shaped bodies (high WHR) face higher cardiovascular risks than pear-shaped.
What this calculator does
Healthy WHR: Men < 0.90, Women < 0.85. High risk: Men > 1.0, Women > 0.90.
When to use this calculator
Use this calculator as a starting point for any health or fitness goal that requires a numeric benchmark. The result is an estimate, not a diagnosis — but it provides a concrete figure to track against over time.
Common mistakes
Many users apply adult health classifications to children and teenagers, which is incorrect. Paediatric norms for height, weight, BMI, and body composition are age-and-sex-specific. Use age-appropriate reference tools for anyone under 18.
Real-world scenarios
A nurse calculates a patient's health metric during a routine assessment, then uses the result alongside other clinical indicators to contextualise the finding — correctly treating the number as one data point among several rather than a standalone answer.
Frequently asked questions
What is a healthy waist-to-hip ratio?
Men: under 0.90. Women: under 0.85. Above these levels indicates elevated cardiovascular risk.